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Parents' Guide to

Top Gun

By Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Exciting Tom Cruise classic has some intense scenes.

Movie PG 1986 109 minutes
Top Gun Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 12+

Based on 28 parent reviews

Ben C.
Ben C. Adult
March 11, 2018
age 18+

Good movie but poor language

It is an interesting movie however the movie takes God's name in vain and has coarse language. My wife and I use TV guardian and filtered out the cuss words otherwise I would not have watched it. Also there is a sexual scene between 2 unmarried people. The movie itself was good however without the cuss word filter I would not have watched it.
The Average American
The Average American Parent of 8, 11, 14, 16 and 17-year-old
April 28, 2020
age 14+

Great Action Film

Great film, however, why must Hollywood always throw in a sex scene? It was totally unnecessary. The plane footage made you want to go outside and be a fighter pilot. Overall the acting was good. The choice of music was great too. I can’t wait for the sequel...
See all 28 parent reviews

What's the Story?

TOP GUN centers around Maverick (Tom Cruise), a troubled, overconfident fighter pilot who's one of the United States' best. When another pilot loses his confidence during a standoff with an enemy plane, Maverick and his wingman, Goose (Anthony Edwards), get the chance of a lifetime: to attend the Top Gun Naval Flying School in Miramar, California. There, Maverick meets and tries to woo Charlie (Kelly McGillis); takes on his rival, Iceman (Val Kilmer), in the skies; and comes to terms with the mysterious fate of his father, a naval fighter pilot whose death details have been kept confidential. But can Maverick temper his loose-cannon ways to win the competition and cope with the death of someone close to him?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (28 ):
Kids say (83 ):

Made at the peak of Cruise's career in the 1980s, Top Gun is still exciting to watch. For all of the serious drama in the film, it's also heavy on action and charisma. Adults of a certain age will remember how it spawned a fashion movement of aviator glasses and bomber jackets and what a huge star Cruise was. More than The Color of Money or the Mission: Impossible franchise, this well-directed, well-acted film is the one in which Cruise proved that he could play more than an arrogant jerk with a killer smile. Cruise imbues Maverick with so much warmth and depth that you can't help rooting for him.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether they agree with the idea that "There are no points for second place." Is winning all that matters? What would you risk to win?

  • Who do you think Top Gun is aimed at, audience wise? How do you think it might be different if it were remade today?

  • Do you think it was right for Charlie and Maverick to pursue a romantic relationship?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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